Fri Sep 12 12:48:22 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten version as a news article:
**Summary:**
Academicians in Tamil Nadu, India, are raising concerns about a severe shortage of teachers and principals in government arts and science colleges. Approximately 9,000 teaching positions are vacant, and 96 colleges lack principals, hindering staff promotion and creating operational challenges. Newly inaugurated colleges are struggling with infrastructure and staffing issues, making it difficult to attract students. Teachers’ associations are calling on the government to address the vacancies and the pay disparity between regular and guest lecturers.
**News Article:**
**Teacher Shortage Cripples Tamil Nadu Government Colleges**
**TIRUCHI, India – September 12, 2025 -** A critical shortage of teaching staff and principals is plaguing government arts and science colleges across Tamil Nadu, leading to calls for urgent action from academicians and teachers’ unions. The situation threatens the quality of education and creates instability for both staff and students.
According to the Tamil Nadu Government Collegiate Teachers’ Association, approximately 9,000 teaching positions remain vacant, with 96 colleges operating without a permanent principal. “We urge higher officials to consider approving appointments of at least 4,000 qualified candidates to resolve this immediate crisis,” said P. David Livingstone, State president of the Association. He added that the lack of promotions for long-serving staff further exacerbates the problem.
The issue is particularly acute in newly established colleges, where infrastructure and staffing are inadequate. “Due to a lack of transport facilities and hostel accommodation, we are unable to attract students,” explained a faculty member from a new college in Perambalur district, reporting enrollment far below target.
R. Saravanan, president of the Association of University Teachers, highlighted the disparity in pay between regular and guest lecturers, with guest lecturers earning significantly less despite often possessing similar qualifications. “It is unfortunate that qualified teachers are working under such a wide pay disparity,” he stated.
The situation demands immediate attention from the state government to ensure the stability and quality of higher education for students across Tamil Nadu. Without addressing the staffing and infrastructure issues, the future of these colleges, and the education of countless students, remains uncertain.
First Piper 